Translating the English verb “to think” into Norwegian requires a bit of special attention.

This is because Norwegian requires you to use three completely different verbs depending on the context.

You must choose between synes, tror, and tenker based on your exact intended meaning.

Choosing the correct verb ensures your sentence makes perfect sense.

I’ll explain exactly when and how to use each verb below.

Norwegian verbs for thinking

Before we look at the rules for each verb, it’s helpful to know how they’re conjugated.

The verb å synes is a special type of verb in Norwegian called an s-verb.

This means it ends in an “s” in all of its dictionary forms.

Here’s an overview of how to conjugate all three verbs in the most common tenses.

Synes (subjective opinion)

You use synes when expressing a subjective personal opinion.

This verb is used for expressing your personal taste, feelings, or assessment of something.

There’s a strict rule in Norwegian for using synes.

You must have personally experienced the thing you’re expressing an opinion about.

If you say that you think a movie is good using synes, it implies that you’ve actually watched the movie.

If you say you think a food tastes bad using synes, it means you’ve actually eaten it.

Jeg synes maten er god.

I think the food is good.

Vi syntes filmen var kjedelig.

We think the movie was boring.

Jeg synes norsk er et vakkert språk.

I think Norwegian is a beautiful language.

Tror (belief or uncertainty)

You use tror when you’re expressing a belief or guessing about a fact.

This verb is used when there’s an objective truth or right answer, but you aren’t completely sure what it is.

The easiest way to remember this is to translate tror as “I believe” or “I assume”.

If you use tror to talk about a movie being good, it implies that you haven’t seen it yet, but you assume it’ll be good based on reviews.

You also use tror when talking about the future, because you can’t know for sure what will happen.

Additionally, tror is the verb used for religious belief.

Jeg tror det vil regne i morgen.

I think it will rain tomorrow.

Hun tror toget går klokken fire.

She thinks the train leaves at four o'clock.

Jeg tror han er tretti år gammel.

I think he is thirty years old.

Tenker (the act of thinking)

You use tenker for the actual cognitive process of using your brain.

This verb rarely translates to having an opinion or a belief.

Instead, it refers to the physical or mental act of having thoughts in your head.

You’ll almost always use tenker together with the preposition på (about/on).

Hva tenker du på?

What are you thinking about?

Jeg tenker på hunden min.

I am thinking about my dog.

Han sitter og tenker hele dagen.

He sits and thinks all day.

Summary of differences

To make this completely clear, let’s look at how the exact same English translation changes based on the Norwegian verb you choose.

If your friend asks you about a book, you can respond in three different ways.

Using synes means you’ve read the book and formed an opinion.

Using tror means you haven’t read the book, but you guess it’s good.

Using tenker means you’re literally sitting there pondering the concept of the book in your mind.

Jeg synes boken er god.

I think the book is good. (I read it and I liked it)

Jeg tror boken er god.

I think the book is good. (I haven't read it but I assume it is)

Jeg tenker på boken.

I am thinking about the book. (It is on my mind)